MMA News Roundup: UFC brings massive changes in Athlete Conduct Policy, Power Slap League fighter suffers memory loss, Jon Jones buries hatchet with bitter rival Daniel Cormier

In this week's edition of Sportskeeda's MMA news roundup, we'll be taking a look at the biggest updates from the UFC as well as other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.

Today's edition features major changes to the UFC's Athlete Conduct Policy, a Power Slap League fighter suffers memory loss, and Jon Jones buries the hatchet with a former rival.

---

#3. UFC's Athlete Conduct Policy changes

Earlier this week, the UFC issued a press release to tackle the betting scandal that has surrounded the organization since November last year. The press release stated that anyone associated with the organization, including fighters, coaches and any employees, is now prohibited from gambling on any fights themselves or through third parties.

MMA journalist Aaron Bronsteter tweeted:

"The UFC issued a press release stating that they have amended their Athlete Conduct Policy to prohibit all insiders (coaches, managers, handlers, trainers, etc.) affiliated with athletes or the UFC from placing any wagers directly or through a third party on any matches."

The company-wide change came after the infamous November 5 bout between featherweights Darrick Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke. Minner lost the bout in the first round after seemingly injuring his knee early in the fight.

An investigation was conducted in December after suspicious betting patterns were noticed for Minner's bout. Whilst the investigation is ongoing, Darrick Minner has been released from the UFC, and the Nevada State Athletic Commission has suspended his coach James Krause until the investigation has been concluded.

Following the decision to prevent fighters from betting on bouts, Ontario's commission originally took the measure a step further by banning all betting on UFC fights. They have since re-instated betting following the policy changes.

Despite major changes to the Athlete Policy, MMA fans still seem dissatisfied with the efforts that have been made to protect the integrity of the sport.

---

#2. Power Slap League fighter suffers memory loss in first show

Dana White's Power Slap League made its TBS debut earlier this week as the first of its eight-episode run aired on January 18.

The show takes place at the Apex Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, and features both men and women competing. During the match, competitors stand across from one another and trade slaps across the face. The objective of the game is to slap your opponent hard enough that they can't recover in 30 seconds.

There are 3-5 rounds per match, and any knockdown will result in a 10-count from the referee.

The first bout of the evening was a welterweight clash between Chris Kennedy and Chris Thomas. During the match, Chris Kennedy was hit by a vicious shot from Thomas that resulted in him crashing down to the mat and being rendered unconscious. The referee gave the ten-count, and Chris Thomas was declared the winner.

Kennedy remained unresponsive for some time, and there were distressing scenes for viewers as he awoke with very little awareness of where he was and what he was doing.

Watch the slap below:

Dana White's involvement with the Power Slap League has been heavily criticized for the brutality and the danger the sport poses for those competing. Whilst the 53-year-old would have been hoping the first episode would go off without a hitch, Kennedy's injury was yet another brutal reminder of the lethality of the sport the UFC president has invested in.

---

#1. Jon Jones and Daniel Cormer bury the hatchet

Jon Jones is set to end his three-year hiatus when he returns to the octagon at UFC 285. 'Bones' will make his heavyweight debut when he faces off against Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title.

Francis Ngannou vacated the title earlier this month and has since been released by the UFC. In his absence, Jones will now seek to become a light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, a feat his former foe Daniel Cormier has achieved.

Jones' and Cormier's rivalry is often regarded as one of the most bitter in MMA history. The pair have fought twice previously, with Jones picking up the victory in both bouts. Their second fight, however, was changed to a no-contest after 'Bones' tested positive for a banned substance.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the former light heavyweight champion discussed his highly anticipated comeback as well as his old beef with Cormier. According to 'Jones', there's no animosity between them anymore, and he holds huge respect for the Hall of Famer:

“I’m not competing against Daniel Cormier. I’ve already beat him twice. I’m really happy for Daniel Cormier. I love what he’s done in his life with his wrestling and broadcasting. I think it’s awesome when a fighter can retire and use his voice and intelligence to do something that he loves, so I’ve got nothing but respect for Daniel Cormier.”

Place your bets for the upcoming UFC fight night main card and earn $$$